Applying for an Immigrant Visa

Document Checklist

Please bring all applicable documents (originals plus copies if noted) on this checklist. Documents should be submitted in the order listed below. Visas are often approved the same day for applicants who are prepared with these documents. Visas will not be approved until applicants submit all required documents.

1. For family-sponsored or employment-based applicants, the immigrant visa fee of US$400 (Please click here for updated fee information) for each applicant is required if the fee has not already been paid to the National Visa Center. The fee for Diversity Visa applicants is US$775 (Please click here for updated fee information).
    
2. Travel documents, i.e. passports (with at least 8 months validity) and copies of the biographic pages; AND any previous travel documents with expired and/or current U.S. visas in them
    
3. Identity cards for Hong Kong and/or Macau and copies
    
4. Two visa photographs (please see separate sheet of "Photographic Requirements" write your name in block letters on the back of photos)
    
5. Completed "Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration" (Form DS-230 Part II). Do NOT sign the form until your interview with a consular officer
    
6. An Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) with sponsors' federal income tax return that was current when the I-864 was signed. If the sponsor(s) did not need to file a tax return, attach a written explanation and a copy of the instructions from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publication that shows you were not obligated to file. (For more information on most tax obligations, visit the IRS website www.irs.gov)
    
7. Police certificates from your country of residence for the past 6 months and from other countries in which you have lived for more than 12 months after age 16
    
8. Certificates of trial and court transcripts if you were ever convicted of a crime
    
9. Medical examinations
    
10. Birth certificates and copies — English translation is required if written in another language
     
11. Adoption certificates and copies
     
12. Marriage certificates and copies
     
13. Divorce certificates and copies — petitioner and applicant who have been previously married must obtain legal proof of termination of each prior marriage if the immigration is based on marriage
     
14. Child custody orders and copies
     
15. Evidence of relationship between the principal applicant and petitioner, as well as between the principal applicant and all beneficiaries
     
16. Evidence to show the education and/or work experience required for employment-based and Diversity (lottery) visas
     
17. Documents not in English should be translated into English and accompanied by a signed statement from the translator stating that the translator is proficient in both languages
     

Related Links

• Notarial Certificates from the People's Republic of China
• Civil Documents from the Philippines
• Medical Examinations
• Police Clearances
• Fees
• Application Form Assistance
• Visa Photo Requirement

 

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Last modified: January 14, 2008